First Entry

My friends and family know that I have struggled with my weight for a good portion of my life.  Growing up as a child my weight consumed me and kept me from activities that most kids my aged enjoyed.  I was too embarrassed to go outside for a walk or go to a gym, because I didn't want other people to see me.

At the age of 19 I read a book that changed my life.  The premise was so simple.  All I had to do was eat, move, and breathe.  I immediately started walking, and I gained energy and confidence and lost weight.  Over the years, the walking has turned into weight lifting, jogging, hiking, rollerblading, biking, kayaking, and anything else that sounds like it may be fun.  Fifteen years ago, I would not have tried any of those activities.  Being active has given me the opportunity to coach my son's t-ball team, summit Mt. St. Helen's, explore vacation spots on foot and on rollerblades for miles, hike to beautiful mountain tops and waterfalls, walk 60 miles for Breast Cancer, practice hot yoga, and best of all in the midst of the adventures I fell in love with my husband.

I want to share this experience and help people become healthy, active, and strong.  At the same time I will continue my journey to Best Health.  This is not a journey about the scale.  I want to have energy, be strong, and feel great.

My posts will include workouts, nutrition, and of course the struggles that arise with balancing the job, family, and a healthy lifestyle.  Please feel free to ask questions, give feedback, or post comments.  I appreciate the support that my family and friends have given me on this adventure!

Comments

[Donna]

Maureen, you are on your way to helping others for certain! Thank you for writing from your heart, I think you have given me new motivation. You are right, it's not about the scales, it's about our best health so we can enjoy more time with the ones we love. I'll be following your adventures! Love, DonnaÜ

[melissa bessara-martinez]

The best thing in life we can do is to do for ourselves. Before we can be there for others we've got to take care of *me*. I'm very happy to read what you want to do and the inspiration I know that you'll be giving others. Your an amazing person and I am here to support you in every way that I can. Personally, I have been through a bumpy road of living healthy and treating my body right. I am very proud of you and you got yourself your own personal cheerleader from hawaii cheering you on.... * Go,.. Go,.. Moe!!* love yeah girly!!!

[Felicia]

Dear Moe~

Reading your blog is an inspiration to me. I've been procrastinating about eating healthier and working out regularly the last few weeks. Reading your blog reminded me that I don't have any excuses to not do it. I'm very excited to go on this journey with you. You've always been a source of inspiration for me, especially when it came to my decision to stay home. When Spring rolls around save a date for me and rollerblading....:o) I needed this kick in the butt!!! Love you!!!

[Carisa]

You are my inspiration for going after your dreams and what you believe in. I know the road may not be paved in gold but I am certain that you will find your rainbow! You are a great friend and I wish you the very best, always.

[Darcy Cooper]

Hey Moe! Thank you for your blog link!! I am rooting for you. You sound so healthy to me:) Good Luck!! I am eager to follow your journey. I have decided to participate in the Danskin Triathlon (supports breast cancer) http://www.danskin.com/triathlon.html this summer in August and believe it or not, have started a regular exercise program. Some of the neighbor ladies around here on ridge have participated in the past couple of years and have gotten me pumped up. Again, I love hearing about your healthy focus, it is so very important to take care of yourself; eat well, exercise AND and sleep as a working Mother! All the support you have sounds AWESOME. Go MOE! Talk to you soon!
Darcy

[Angie Gelhaye]

Hello Maureen (sister-in-law!),

I have also struggled with my weight since I was a teen - I know how frustrating it is, but having lost nearly 40 pounds a few years ago, I also know how rewarding (and lengthy) a process it is. Unfortunately, I crashed and burned on my diet a few years ago, and since October of 2006 have gained back about 20 pounds. The main reason? I denied myself too much on that diet - remember that when your mother (or mother-in-law!) says "everything in moderation", its really true. I was also really stressed out during the holiday season of 2006 (with Agnes being sick), and being on a diet during the holidays for the first time was very difficult for me. Unless a person is extremely dedicated, I think the best they can hope for during the holidays is to maintain their weight, not lose any.

I also thought that losing weight and keeping it off for my wedding would be enough inspiration but it wasnt - I think it just shows that weight loss and control are lifelong struggles. I had heard from the "experts" that most dieters would gain some of their weight back after they lost it. I denied this and said it would never happen to me but it sure did.

From that diet and experience Ive learned many good lessons, the most important being forgiveness. Instead of getting down on myself for eating a little too much one night or being too tired to exercise another night, I look at how well I am currently doing and forgive myself. I used to feel this incredible guilt if I had "fallen off the wagon." Through my struggles I have learned to say, "So what?!" to the roadblocks and tests. Ive learned to make molehills out of mountains. Now, I enjoy going astray every now and then, and Ive noticed that it doesnt even affect my diet. And if I do feel some guilt, I just work harder the next day to make up for it.

Just as I did two years ago, this year my New Year's resolution was to lose weight and become healthier, and I have lost over five pounds since January 3. My goal is to get back to the weight I was two years ago then surpass that goal by another 20 pounds (getting me to 130). I exercise at least five times a week (combining jumping on a trampoline with weight lifting and ab work), I walk at work on my breaks with my mother, and otherwise just have cut way back on calories. I eat at least six times a day, three snacks and three meals - for me, 100 calorie snack packs are a must (the Hostess cupcake packs are the best) - best invention ever! I also give myself one day off a week from my diet where I can eat whatever I want (this is something from the Five Factor diet). I was initially worried that I would go overboard on my day off, but knowing how good I feel when Im "on" keeps me in line. My favorite day off treat - 3 Musketeers bar!

I also keep a daily journal (physical not electronic!) of what I eat and how I exercise - I hear its one of the biggest factors in helping a person lose weight and stay healthy, so Id say you are well on your way to success!!

Remember, good health and weight loss are not a destination but a journey. Throughout your journey, never stop loving the person you are inside, as that part of you has always and will always be the same!

Though we are thousands of miles apart, we are on the same path, and Im here for you if ever need anything. Thank you for sharing the details of your journey with us - losing weight and changing who you are and how you live are very personal things, so I give you much credit for being so open. Best of luck to you!

Love,

Angie